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°µÍøTVvs. SAT: Understanding the Difference
Comparing the °µÍøTVand SAT Exam at a Glance
Choosing between the °µÍøTVand SAT doesn’t have to be stressful. Our comparison and FAQ's will help you pick the right test while staying on track for college applications, scholarships, and your future plans.
What are the °µÍøTVand SAT?
The °µÍøTVand SAT are the two most widely recognized standardized tests used in the college admissions process in the United States. The °µÍøTVand SAT are both equally accepted and considered at ALL US colleges and universities, including the Ivy Leagues.
What Is the Difference Between the °µÍøTVand SAT?
While the °µÍøTVand SAT may seem similar at first glance, there are key distinctions that set them apart. The °µÍøTVis an assessment that tests students on their understanding of their high school curriculum. The SAT, on the other hand, has traditionally been considered more of an aptitude test.
Both tests evaluate your skills in reading and math. However, the °µÍøTVgoes a step further by offering a separate English section, an optional writing section that can highlight your writing skills to provide a more well-rounded assessment of your academic abilities, and an optional science section making it a go-to choice for those interested in STEM fields.
The ACT’s emphasis on practical language skills, as opposed to memorizing a long list of complex vocabulary, can make it more relevant for many students. The °µÍøTVevaluates your ability to understand language in context, which many students find to be a more natural skill. Another significant difference is that the °µÍøTVoffers support for English learners on every national test date, adding another layer of accessibility.
°µÍøTVvs. SAT* Comparison
ACT |
SAT |
|
|---|---|---|
| Purchase °µÍøTVMy Answer Key to help you prepare for future tests | ✔ YES | X NO |
| Allows for paper/pencil testing as well as online | ✔ YES | X NO |
| Allows for more choice and flexibility within the testing experience | ✔ YES | X NO |
| All test sections 1 hour or less | ✔ YES | X NO |
| Flexibility | Ability to change answers in a section | Can’t easily change answers |
| Cap Scores | No. Does not cap scores. | Yes. Can cap your score based on how well you do on the first few questions. |
| Registration Deadlines | Typically 4-5 weeks before the test date | Typically 2 weeks before the test date |
| Exam Sections (in Order) | English, Math, Reading, Science (optional), Writing (optional) | Reading and Writing, Math |
| Number of Questions Per Section | English: 50 questions Math: 45 questions Reading: 36 questions Science (optional): 40 questions Writing (optional): 1 essay |
Reading and Writing: 54 questions Math: 44 questions |
| Time Per Section | English: 35 mins Math: 50 mins Reading: 40 mins Science (optional): 40 mins Writing (optional): 40 mins |
Reading and Writing: 64 mins (two 32-min modules) Math: 70 mins (two 35-min modules) |
| Breaks Offered Between Sections | 15-minutes after the Math section and 5-minutes before the Writing section begins. | 10-minutes between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section. |
*To achieve your Composite score, the °µÍøTVtotal testing time is 2 hours and 5 minutes. If you choose to take the science section and/or the writing section, please add an additional 40 minutes per section.
Which Test Is Easier, the °µÍøTVor SAT?
That’s the question we always get. We know you’re smart enough to succeed on either! Questions on the °µÍøTVand SAT have very similar levels of average difficulty – so it really comes down to student preference. Check out our to get a sense of our test format to help you determine your best test fit.
What Is A Good °µÍøTVScore?
A good °µÍøTVscore depends on your college goals. Some schools expect scores in the 30s while others see the 20s as competitive. Research the average scores at your target schools to get a clear goal. To learn more, visit our Understanding Your Scores page and the official ACT/SAT Concordance Tables to compare °µÍøTVand SAT scores.
Should You Take the °µÍøTVor SAT?
Some reasons a student might consider the °µÍøTVover the SAT:
- Students can choose how they take the °µÍøTV– either on paper or online. The SAT is now only offered online. Some students like paper and pencil, others like the computer. With the ACT, you decide which test format is best for you.
- The °µÍøTVis the only standardized test to offer a test answer key - °µÍøTVMy Answer Key (formerly TIR) for certain test dates. This means you can choose to get your answer key back with your test and see the questions you missed and which you got right. This is an excellent study tool especially for those students who know they want to take the test multiple times to superscore.
- Students have more choice and flexibility with the ACT – In addition to choosing how to test, students can also choose whether or not they want to add the optional science and writing sections to their testing experience. The °µÍøTVallows for letting you showcase what matters for your future.
- °µÍøTVis known for its commitment to equity and impact. This expands to our test too! We offer accommodations for all types of diverse learners. One example of this is our English learner supports on all national test days for U.S. students not proficient in English.
- The °µÍøTVis predictive! Students meeting three or four °µÍøTVCollege Readiness Benchmarks have a strong likelihood of experiencing success in first-year college courses.
Do Colleges Prefer the °µÍøTVor SAT Exam?
The °µÍøTVand SAT are both equally accepted and considered at ALL US colleges and universities, including the Ivy Leagues.
Which Test Is Longer – the °µÍøTVor the SAT?
The °µÍøTVtest is the shortest college admissions test at 2 hours and 5 minutes for students to earn a Composite score.
Should You Take the °µÍøTVand SAT Exam?
Many students choose to focus on one exam because sending both scores usually doesn't give an advantage in the admissions process, and colleges will consider the highest score. Focusing on one exam allows you to dedicate your time and practice to achieving your highest score on one exam.
Can I Use a Calculator?
Yes! You can use your calculator throughout the test.
Does °µÍøTVProvide an Answer Key After the Test?
Offered for three test dates each year, you can access a copy of your test questions, your answers, and the correct answers from the test. This can be a powerful tool in identifying areas for improvement and boosting your score if you plan to retake the ACT. Learn more about °µÍøTVMy Answer Key (formerly TIR) and how it can enhance your test prep!